Systematization of a community intervention in a post-earthquake context in Chincha, Peru

This article presents the lessons learned and a critical analysis of a community intervention on seventeen urban and rural towns after the earthquake of August 15th, 2007 in the province of Chincha, Peru. The critical review proposed emphasizes the analysis of participation and community empowerment. The community intervention strengthened the capabilities of community leaders to enhance social networks for community mental health in a post-disaster context. Through participation and community building, community leaders strengthened social bonds and community action. The lessons from this experience allow us to reflect upon community psychology practice in post-earthquake contexts. Among others: questioning power relations and neutrality, valuing local knowledge, networking, and the incorporation of the subjective dimension and self-care in the intervention.